A traveller has taken a swipe at the Australian government and has accused them of “cutting costs” after receiving her new passport in the mail. She admitted she was “surprised” to see it had just been “shoved into an envelope” with little thought given to protecting “the most important document you’ll own in your life”.
Earlier this year, the Australian travel document became the “world’s most expensive passport” — jumping up to $398 from $325, ahead of Mexico at A$346 and the United States at a modest A$252. So Natalie Vellozzi “expected” more care to be given to how the passport was shipped to ensure it remained protected during transit.
Speaking with Yahoo News, the Sydney woman said she “couldn’t believe it was just shoved into the paper envelope without a plastic sleeve or anything”. Previously, they came secure in a double-sided sleeve, but it appears this is no longer the case.
“The package during delivery felt inadequate, the envelope didn’t seem secure. It made me concerned about potential damage during transit,” she said. The 28-year-old suggested a padded envelope would have been better suited in case the package was somehow damaged and unable to be used, especially considering it’s supposed to last for up to 10 years.
Vellozzi shared her frustration in a video on TikTok noting the “government is definitely in their cutting cost era”.
“You can’t even get the littlest bit of damage. They won’t even let you into another country if you have the little bit of damage on it. But look how it arrives in the mail,” she fumed. “Literally just shoved into an envelope. No plastic sleeve, nothing. I just found that really strange.”
Previously, Australian travellers have been denied entry into some countries over slight damage to their passports, including Sydney woman Madelaine who was denied her $2,000 Bali trip over a small tear in the stitching.
According to the Australian Passport Office, serious passport damage can stop you from travelling. But the website states: “Normal wear and tear should not be a problem”. Aussie travellers are urged to keep passports “intact and in good condition”.
Yahoo News Australia has contacted the Australian Passport Office for comment about its protocols in relation to shipping.
Vellozzi also noticed the poorer quality of the new R series passport, which has replaced the P series document. The R series has been in circulation since September, 2022. However, P Series passports, which preceded the R Series, remain highly secure travel documents and can continue to be used until they expire.
She said it’s “crazy” how “flimsy” it is compared to the previous version saying “the quality does not much the cost” — and she’s not the only one.
Scores of Aussies have complained about the new design with fears it won’t last the intended 10 years with many noting the cover bends easily.
“The material felt less durable compared to previous versions. It seems thinner, which makes me worry about it’s longevity, especially for frequent travellers,” Vellozzi told Yahoo.
“The cover has already started curling and bending, even though I’ve only had it for a short time and handled it correctly. This makes it look worn out and less durable than expected”
“Thankfully, my passport wasn’t damaged when it arrived, but I could see how a less careful handling process might lead to issues. For the cost of the passport, I expected better durability and a more premium finish.”
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